Strings

The String Program at SJSU is home to some of the finest faculty in the country and is anchored by the University Symphony Orchestra and an exceptional chamber music program. The faculty are all active performing musicians with extensive experience in the music performance and teaching disciplines. Students frequently see their instructors in live performance, both at SJSU and throughout the Bay area. The University Symphony Orchestra has a long performance tradition of providing quality programming for students who are preparing to enter the world of orchestral performance. Students perform professional level works and present four full-length concerts each year that showcase the entire orchestra. In addition, music students may participate in an annual concerto-aria competition for an opportunity to perform with the orchestra in a dedicated student soloist concert and also to accompany a fully staged opera. All instrumental students may participate in Chamber Music and receive weekly coaching. Students perform in trios (with or without piano), string quartets or other combinations that utilize all who are enrolled. Students give concerts each semester and are also invited to perform in other studio concerts.

Students in the B.A. degree and B.M. degree in music education programs receive half-hour lessons each week and present a senior recital as the capstone experience. Additionally, all students engage in performance opportunities as soloists or chamber musicians both in closed studio classes and in public studio recitals or on the weekly Listening Hour series. All instrumental studios hold weekly master classes in which students perform for each other and discuss literature and pedagogical topics. These classes are open to all students in the University. For those wishing to continue their studies, SJSU also offers a Master of Arts degree. The M.A. degree is for advanced students who wish to focus on performance. One extensive recital is required, though students are encouraged to present additional recitals as well as enter competitions

Faculty

Bruce Moyer, coordinator (bass)
Steven Lin (guitar)
Karen Thielen (harp)

Audition Information

Violin

One etude selected from Dont, Fiorillo or Kreutzer; and the first two movements of any Handel sonata, or the first and last movements of a concerto by Seitz, Vivaldi, or a comparable composer.

Viola

A fast and a slow movement from the Telemann Concerto in G Major, Marcello Sonata in E Minor, or a comparable selection. One etude from Blumenstengel, Kruetzer or Campagnoli.

Cello

A fast and a slow movement selected from sonatas by Marcello or Handel, or comparable material. Common scales in two or three octaves. An etude from Dotzauer Etudes Book I, or similar studies.

Double Bass

A fast and a slow movement from Marcello’s Sonata in E Minor, or a comparable selection. Common scales in two or three octaves. An etude from Simandl Thirty Etudes.

Guitar

Applicants should be prepared with major and minor scales through the 5^th position, two pieces for solo guitar, and an etude of moderate difficulty by Sor, Carulli or Carcassi.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact a member of the string faculty?
All members of the string faculty may be contacted by e-mail or through the Music Office to set up an introductory lesson.

Are private lessons open to non-music majors?
Private lessons are currently available only to music majors. Music minors may take private lessons only by permission of the Director of the School of Music and Dance.

Do I need to be a music major to perform in a String Ensemble?
No, all ensembles are open to majors and non-majors by audition.

Are there scholarships available?
Yes. Awards are based upon performance level and the specific needs of the School. Scholarship auditions are held three times annually on campus. Students who live far away may submit a recording for consideration. Contact music@email.sjsu.edu or the Recruitment Office at 408- 924-1377 for information on the dates. All music majors enrolled in the Spartan Marching Band receive an automatic supplemental scholarship award.

When should I apply for admission into the program?
Apply to the University as early as possible during the fall semester of your last year in high school or junior college. Then contact the Music Office to set up an audition or a scholarship audition.

Can anyone be a music major?
No. All students must audition for placement in the B.A. program and for acceptance into the B.M. and M.A. programs. Most music majors already have had extensive experience in their chosen area of music.